In Review: Last Monday, the House Ways and Means Committee heard the Health and Human Services Omnibus bill (HF 4571), which contains the unfavorable prior authorization language. At that time, the Senate version (SF 4699), which had the favorable prior authorization language, was unfortunately amended and replaced by the language in the House bill and will be the vehicle moving forward. While there were questions raised about the issue and its unknown fiscal impact, the bill passed out of Committee. Last Thursday, the almost 600-page bill was debated on the floor of the House. An amendment, which would have removed the chronic conditions continuity of care provision, was introduced and withdrawn with the intent to bring attention to it. In addition, numerous questions were asked specifically about the prior authorization provisions, but the bill passed by a vote of 68-59.

Up Next: We expect a Conference Committee named on the Health and Human Services Omnibus bill and a possible hearing early this week. However, with only seven working days left in session, things will need to move quickly. If there is a hearing, PCMA intends to submit a letter on the matter.

If you have any questions, please contact Michelle Mack at mmack@pcmanet.org.